Photo: PVL
SAN JUAN – The Akari Chargers put up a gritty fight but came up short against a determined Cignal side, absorbing a 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-20 defeat in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Thursday night at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Despite the loss, Akari showed flashes of its usual offensive firepower and resilience, rallying back in the second set to even the match before Cignal’s steady composure took over in the latter frames. The Chargers now share a 3-3 carry-over record with the Super Spikers as the battle for the Top 8 quarterfinal spots tightens.
Import Annie Mitchem led the Chargers with 22 points on a combination of powerful attacks and key defensive plays, while middle blocker Fifi Sharma continued her impressive run with 13 markers built on solid net defense and quick hits. Veteran Grethcel Soltones contributed eight points in a balanced effort, and Eli Soyud chipped in seven after a 15-point showing in their previous outing against ZUS Coffee.
The Chargers displayed character throughout the match, especially in the second set where they overturned a 20-22 deficit behind the strong finishing stretch of Mitchem, Sharma, and Ced Domingo. Sharma punctuated the comeback with a crucial block on Cignal’s import Katrin Trebichavska to seal the frame and give Akari a momentary lift.
Akari started the following set with renewed energy, racing to a 5-1 lead and extending the gap to six. However, a resilient Cignal side clawed back midway through the set and managed to turn the momentum in its favor. Despite several late-set pushes, including a service ace from Kamille Cal and timely attacks from Mitchem, the Chargers were unable to regain control.
In the fourth set, Akari again showed determination, trimming a late Cignal lead to 19-21 behind consecutive aces from Camille Victoria. But unforced errors down the stretch and Cignal’s timely hits sealed the match.
The Chargers return to action on Thursday, November 13, at 4 p.m. when they face sister team Nxled Chameleons at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
